REASONS TO BUY
Comfortably versatile
Balanced midfoot cushion
REASONS TO AVOID
Lightweight but feels heavy
Fit isn't traditional
Hoka Clifton 10 - Women's Review
Offering plenty of padding without extra weight, this shoe supports relaxed miles and helps runners build consistency and endurance
Thanks to its soft foam and stable platform, it delivers reliable comfort for runners wanting a simple, do-everything trainer.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 9, 2026
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The updated Hoka Clifton 10 is a solid choice for new runners looking for a comfortable, reliable shoe with plenty of underfoot cushion. This shoe is lightweight and well-cushioned, giving your feet a soft, supportive feel with every step. The midfoot is slightly tapered, helping your stride roll smoothly, while the sturdy foam midsole provides a steady, neutral platform. It's not made for racing fast, but it's ideal for easy runs, recovery days, and building confidence on the road. With its balance of comfort, durability, and gentle bounce, the Clifton 10 makes running feel more approachable and enjoyable for beginners.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hoka Clifton 10 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Running Shoe | Best for Running Beginners |  Best Budget Activity Shoe | ||
| Price | $155 List Check REI (on sale!) | $150 List Check REI (on sale!) | $145 List Check Price at REI | $150 List Check Price at REI | $75 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Offering plenty of padding without extra weight, this shoe supports relaxed miles and helps runners build consistency and endurance | Packed with plush cushioning and built on a taller platform, it delivers joyful comfort and versatile performance in a soft, roomy, daily shoe | This shoe's balanced cushioning and smooth transitions make it an approachable option for everything from recovery miles to steady everyday runs | This shoe is a great contender for runners who want the look and excitement of a super shoe without a plate, a hefty price tag, or an intimidating feel | While it lacks high-end technology, this road running shoe delivers impressive comfort and reliability for the price |
| Rating Categories | Hoka Clifton 10 | Asics Novablast 5 | Saucony Ride 19 | Adidas Adizero Evo SL | Asics Gel-Contend 9 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |||||
| Cushioning (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (15%) | |||||
| Traction (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Hoka Clifton 10 | Asics Novablast 5 | Saucony Ride 19 | Adidas Adizero Evo SL | Asics Gel-Contend 9 |
| Who is it Best For? | Beginners | Everyday runners | Beginners | Tempo | Beginners |
| Best Use | Relaxed running | Versatile for variable paces | Relaxed running | Versatile for variable paces | Relaxed running |
| Measured Weight | 8.61 oz | 7.30 oz | 7.45 oz | 6.43 oz | 7.18 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm | 9 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 37 mm | 40 mm | 36 mm | 35 mm | 31 mm |
| Available Sizes | 4 - 12 US regular, wide & extra wide |
5 - 12 US regular, wide |
5 - 12 US regular, wide | 5 - 12 US, regular | 5 - 12 US regular, wide |
| Midsole | CMEVA | FF Blast Max | PWRRUN+ | Lightstrike Pro | AMPLIFOAM™+ |
| Plate Type | None | None | None | None | None |
| Upper | Jacquard knit | Jacquard mesh | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh | Jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | Rubber | AHAR LO | Rubber | Continental rubber + CL rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Extended heel pull | Finger loop | Extended heel pull | None | Finger loop |
| Style | Max cushion | Daily Trainer | Daily trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily trainer |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Loaded with underfoot foam and ready for daily mileage, the Clifton's solid lace bed structure makes it a contender for runners who want a do-it-all shoe to feel confident and secure in. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort and Fit
The Hoka Clifton 10 delivers a classic Hoka fit, featuring a thick slab underfoot and a snug midfoot lock, all for significantly less weight than other models. The result of this seemingly high-tech design is a shoe that looks and feels well-cushioned without feeling heavy during runs. The undercarriage is thick, which adds a welcome element of comfort and protection to runs.
Built for comfort rather than speed, the Clifton provides a steady, well-cushioned platform that feels great on mellow miles. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The rearfoot frame of the Clifton helps steady the feet atop the high platform, creating a smooth-riding experience. The tongue is well-cushioned, assisting the lace in bed to remain comfortable during more sustained efforts. Though well-balanced overall, the midfoot can feel a bit snug. Hoka offers wide and extra-wide versions to help ensure that most runners can find a shoe that fits them well.
We measure the cushion stack of every shoe, including the Hoka Clifton 10. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Cushioning
The Hoka Clifton 10 is designed to feel soft and comfortable underfoot, making it a great choice for new runners. Its midsole is made of lightweight foam that cushions each step without feeling heavy.
The Clifton's wide outsole, rearfoot frame, and neutral rocker make the shoe stable and supportive for everyday miles. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The heel is 37 mm high, and the forefoot is 29 mm, resulting in an 8 mm drop that helps keep your feet stable while running. This extra cushioning protects your joints but still allows you to feel the ground, so you don't lose connection with your stride. The foam bounces back well over time and doesn't flatten quickly, which helps the shoes last longer. However, the ride isn't very springy or fast, so if your goal is speed, they may feel more relaxed than energetic.
The Clifton 10 is a relatively breathable running/walking shoe. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Breathability
It's no easy feat for brands to design a shoe that feels both breathable and reliably secure, yet the Hoka Clifton 10 manages to strike that balance well.
The upper mesh of the Clifton 10 feels modestly breathable and certainly secure. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Its upper offers moderate airflow while maintaining a snug, structured hold that keeps the foot feeling supported throughout a run. Although it may not be the top pick for runners who regularly train in extremely hot or humid conditions, the Clifton's jacquard knit upper provides sufficient ventilation for most climates while still delivering the stability and reinforcement that many runners appreciate.
The texturizing across the high-wear areas helps ensure grip, and while strong, this shoe is best worn on dry to mildly damp surfaces. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Clifton 10 traction is less flat than some traditional running shoes. Credit: Becca Glades
Traction
The Hoka Clifton 10 offers noticeably improved grip, standing out as a significant upgrade over the traction of its predecessor. On dry, paved roads, it feels secure and predictable, offering a smooth and confident ride during daily training. Even when conditions shift, such as with light rain, damp sidewalks, or shallow puddles, the outsole maintains enough grip to keep runners feeling stable and in control. While it's not built for muddy routes, technical terrain, or true trail adventures, its well-rounded traction makes it a trustworthy companion for most everyday running scenarios. For runners who value consistent footing and reliable road grip, this updated model is an easy win.
We looked at every detail of the Clifton to help us determine if it is a shoe we recommend for you. For most runners in everyday situations, the Clifton is a prime pick. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Hoka Clifton 10?
For runners seeking a reliable, easy-to-use daily trainer, the updated Hoka Clifton is a solid choice. Although it may not excel in any single area, its balanced design makes it one of the more versatile shoes in our lineup. While it isn't the best choice for fast-paced speedwork, its cushioning and comfort make it ideal for everyday running or walking, allowing both beginners and seasoned runners to cover their miles with ease. The Clifton's steady support and forgiving ride help make each run feel approachable, making it a dependable companion for building consistency and enjoying time on the road.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The Hoka Bondi 9 is a strong contender for runners seeking a shoe that feels a bit heartier underfoot. The Bondi is a sturdy shoe that feels more traditional than the Clifton, which appeals to some runners more. For runners seeking a well-cushioned shoe with a bit more razzle dazzle, the New Balance 1080v15 is a lively and versatile well-cushioned option to consider. For runners seeking a thick underfoot stack who aren't sold on the lightweight build of the updated Clifton, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a supportive, protective, and well-cushioned option to consider for rolling through mellow mileage.
—Ally Arcuri
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